Thickening Trunks of Potted Paper Birches Before Planting

Don’t Top Birches—Plant Them to Build Trunk Caliper

Your 4-foot paper birches in pots have thin trunks. Cutting the leader (topping) will damage or kill them. Trunk diameter increases naturally once the root system expands into native soil after planting.

Planting Tips for Success

• Plant this fall in a site with cool, moist soil but full sun on leaves—east or north side of a building is ideal.
• Mature height 40–50 ft; give them space.
• Mulch well, water consistently.

Patience and proper planting—not pruning—will give you sturdy trunks.